I went flying last night and lost control of my HZ Super Cub while flying over a neighborhood. I'm not sure what happened but I lost control somehow. There was no wind, ACT was turned off, and the plane quit responding to my TX. Anywho... I've looked in trees and yards but cannot find it. I'm about to go put some signs out hoping its in someone's backyard. The neighborhood has lots of dogs, large trees, pools, etc.

I've been thinking and I'd like to go ahead and get another plane in the event mine doesn't get returned. I really like the Super Cub and I'm still learning to fly. I've gotten better with the Super Cub but have not mastered it. I definitely want to stay with a foamie but wouldn't mind getting a plane with ailerons. I have the Spektrum dx4e TX, I'm assuming its easy to pair the TX with a new plane.

So what do you guys think? Should a novice pilot stick with a Super Cub or is there another trainer airplane with ailerons?

My apologies, I admit I didn't do a whole lot of research on other beginner planes (I was antsy). My main concern is moving to a plane with ailerons or sticking with controls similar to the SC.

After looking around, it looks like the Apprentice might be the next plane I purchase. I really like slow flying and am in no hurry to start performing stunts, just want to takeoff, cruise around, and land flawlessly.

Hi bc. sorry to hear you lost your plane. This is why it's a good idea to have your name and phone number on or in it. Also, maybe not a great idea to fly in a neighborhood while you're still learning, if at all. Sounds like you were having range problems with the SC. Did you do a range check? Enough preaching though! If you want to fly around slow & easy, stay away from the Apprentice. While it can fly slow, she can fly pretty fast too. If you like an aileron plane, I'd recommend the new Delta Ray. Though the Super Cub is a great plane, the Delta Ray has that new SAFE technology and training modes.

Edit: I went to A&P school in Tulsa many years ago. It seems to me there were lots of wide open spaces around there!

Possibly upgrading to 4 channel will be helpful... possibly it will just make things harder for you. Can't tell without being there to see you fly.

I can suggest going to the Dynam Cub at Nitroplanes.com if you do go to 4 channel. Very similar size and performance to the Hobby Zone Super Cub, but with the added channel. Price isn't bad either. (also available available without the radio)

I would recommend getting ailerons ASAP. I assume you have been flying with rudder on your right thumb? If so you have already developed bad habits. I can say this because now that I have moved to my second plane a parkzone T28 has ailerons, and realized right away my left thumb is not working the rudder enough. Rudder is necessary with ailerons for coordinated turns and x wind landings and takeoffs. You could get another cub and either add ailerons yourself or have a good hobby shop do it. Also a simulator is worth it's weight. Good luck.
Bob

Especially for a new pilot--don't fly over neighborhoods! You should find a field where all your flying is confined to the cleared area. Your plane WILL come down in places you don't plan, especially while you're first learning. It will make your life more difficult, but finding a place where you don't overfly trees, houses, roads, FENCES! or other plane eating obstacles can make your learning experience much easier and cheaper.

Thank you everyone for the responses. I ended up buying an Apprentice.

The area why I fly is quite large, probably 3 football fields in size. I never fly over houses intentionally but when my plane lost connection with the Tx, it took off away from me. There have been 5-10 MPH winds here everyday since I bought it so I haven't had a chance to fly yet, hopefully this evening.

I would recommend getting ailerons ASAP. I assume you have been flying with rudder on your right thumb? If so you have already developed bad habits. I can say this because now that I have moved to my second plane a parkzone T28 has ailerons, and realized right away my left thumb is not working the rudder enough. Rudder is necessary with ailerons for coordinated turns and x wind landings and takeoffs. You could get another cub and either add ailerons yourself or have a good hobby shop do it. Also a simulator is worth it's weight. Good luck.
Bob

A person does not develop bad habits just by flying a 3 channel plane. To the OP, if you enjoy a 3 channel, go with a 3 channel. If you want 4 go with 4. It's all about having fun. Practice good technique with whatever plane you happen to be flying. In the long run you will be able to handle and enjoy anything you fly.

I had the SC and modded her to hilt. Ailerons, 2.4, BL, you name it. I like what I see at our field from the FNG's with the Apprentice S and the Sensei. Dynam Cub and Gamma too. I'd personally go with ailerons so when you when you step up to your next plane like the PZ T-28, you're ready. Nothing wrong with staying with the rudder only though. The one thing about rudder only planes I don't like is that at low speed, like an approach with the SC, the rudder loses authority and stops flying.

I was told early on NOT to place my name on my planes. Why? Plausible deniability . I think it was a lawyer who gave me that advice. " What? my plane went through your windshield?" LOL